Pivoting Memory Module Cover with Light-Pipes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable memory modules face challenges with cover protection and handling due to their small size and susceptibility to damage, as existing covers are often removable and easily lost, increasing the risk of damage and difficulty in use.
Innovation Solution
A memory module design featuring a cover pivotally coupled to the housing, allowing 360-degree rotation and integration of light-pipes for improved handling and protection, with notches for grasping and a lanyard attachment for secure storage, while maintaining compatibility with existing circuit board configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a removable cover is used to protect contacts, then contact protection is improved, but the cover is easily lost and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is pivotally coupled to the housing, merging the cover and housing into a single integrated assembly. This prevents the cover from being separated or lost while still allowing it to perform its protective function when the memory module is not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed to be dynamically movable between a first position (covering the contacts) and a second position (exposed). The pivotal coupling allows the cover to rotate and be manipulated easily while maintaining secure attachment to the housing.
2Ease of operation
If the memory module size is increased for easier handling, then ease of operation is improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed to extend beyond the housing in a lateral dimension, providing grasping surfaces that improve handling without increasing the core volume of the memory module. The extension allows fingers to easily grasp the cover for removal while maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is segmented into distinct functional portions: a grasping portion extending beyond the housing for easy handling, and a protective portion that covers the contacts. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function without compromising overall compactness.
3Ease of operation
If a pivotal coupling mechanism is used for the cover, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotal coupling enables dynamic movement of the cover between covered and exposed positions. The coupling mechanism allows the cover to rotate smoothly on a pivot axis, providing intuitive manipulation while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotal coupling is localized to a specific region of the housing, concentrating the mechanical complexity in a small area rather than distributing it throughout the entire device. This allows the rest of the memory module to remain simple and compact.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances protection and handling of memory module contacts, reduces the risk of loss and damage, and facilitates easy operation by providing a secure and intuitive mechanism for pivoting the cover, ensuring the module can be easily used and stored.
Implementation Method 1
integration of light-pipes for improved handling and protection
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device has a memory module, a cover, and light-transmission elements. In one such storage device, a cover has light-transmission elements extending from opposing exterior surfaces of the cover. In a configuration of the memory module and the cover, the light-transmission elements are optically coupled to the light source.